Experts anticipate positive growth in the UAE telecom industry in 2009

Gulfcomms, the largest international telecommunications trade event for mobile, fixed lines, IP and satellite in the region, will provide a premium business platform for companies looking to capitalise on the projected windfall in revenue generated by the communications industry in the UAE.

The Middle East remains one of the world's fastest-growing telecommunications and networking sectors, and Gulfcomms this year is attracting an even greater interest than previous years. According to Al Mal Capital, the UAE telecoms sector in 2009 is expected to reach Dhs29.72bn.

Scheduled to be held from 18-22 October 2009 at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre (DICEC), many international companies and regulatory bodies have already committed their attendance. Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority, Enterprise Ireland, Nortel Networks, Moon Networks and the TRA, are just some of the major companies who will be exhibiting at the event.

Helal Saeed Almarri, CEO, Dubai World Trade Centre, said:

"The UAE communications industry remains one of the strongest in the region, with the increased demand for mass communication satellite connections and the continued boom in IP services."

Almarri added, "Manufacturers and service providers alike recognise the significance of opportunities provided by Gulfcomms, an event which brings the entire region's communications players together each year under on roof."

Although the Middle East is witnessing growth in fixed line, mobile and internet usage, the region still lags behind in broadband adoption. With increased market liberalisation there is greater opportunity for companies operating in network development, satellite applications, and infrastructure solutions to financially capitalise from a growing industry looking to implement broadband connection.

"Businesses and individuals in the region need to adopt the 'next generation' in communication and various other forms of technology to remain globally competitive. We can help these businesses make the transition and enable them to carry out their work efficiently, effectively and profitably," Adnan Al Bahar, Senior Director of Marketing & Communications at Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority.

"Being an Integrated Technology Park, we are committed to facilitating and promoting technology-based industries, research and development within a fully integrated community. Gitex Technology Week is the right platform for us to promote our value proposition and what we can offer companies in terms of resource, expertise, and infrastructure," added Al Bahar.

Gulfcomms provides one of the most attractive points of entry to this dynamic market. Visitors to the event will see the latest offerings in 3G technology, mobile convergence and WiMAX.

"Today, technologies must be designed to connect people to the information they need quickly and efficiently, and customers are increasingly demanding this of companies," said Ramin Attari, Vice President and Managing Director, Nortel Middle East and Africa.

"We are industry leaders in delivering communications capabilities that are designed to make business communication simple, and Gitex Technology Week has always provided a forum to conduct meaningful business," Attari stated.

Now in its 29th year, Gitex Technology Week has become a beacon for the information technology and communications sectors in the Middle East, and attracts tens of thousands of visitors from all over the world. Decision makers and buyers will use the event to improve the value proposition of their offerings while enhancing the cost efficiency of their operations.

The Gitex Technology Week Global Conference programme entitled 'Defining the value of IT in a challenging economy'' has been expanded again this year to include an impressive 40 tracks.

Specifically for Gulfcomms, the Global Conference will include special discussion which looks at the emerging trends in the telecom and communications industry. The panels will explore areas including wireless broadband, fixed-mobile convergence and VoIP. Speakers include Ghazi Atallah, Managing Director, neXgen Advisory Group, Mike Cansfied, Principal Analyst, Forrester, and Neil Manning, General Manager, MobileAccess.

New this year will be the Leader in Industry Breakfast Briefing where analysts from Gartner and Forester will be outlining key trends and offering industry insight. Other forums will also feature leading international industry personalities who will engage and empower the Gitex Technology Week community with new intelligence and information.

Other leading speakers include Sandy Carter, Vice President, IBM Software Group Worldwide Channels for IBM Corporation, Tariq Elsadik, Chief Excellence & Information Officer, Al Fahim Group, and Mohammed Shah, Vice President Technology Infrastructure & Services, Knowledge Economic City Developer.

Also returning will be an extended Gitex Majlis, an executive business programme for CEO's and senior businesspeople. The networking forum, executive lounge and preferred priority seating at seminars, workshops and keynotes will be extended to members.

Gitex Technology Week, 18-22 October is open to trade and business professionals only from 10am - 7pm and takes place at Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre.